flatsforfriendz
Network-based flat and room mediation platform.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
N/A | Seed | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
flatsforfriendz operates a digital, community-based platform for finding and advertising apartments and shared rooms. It was founded by Alexander Weiss, who started the project on Instagram in 2020 out of personal frustration with the anonymous and often misleading nature of traditional housing platforms. Initially a simple Instagram page using templates for friends to share listings, it grew organically for five years before becoming a formal company with its own app.
The founder, Alexander Weiss, did not have a technical background but enrolled in a web development bootcamp in April 2020 to better understand the product development process. This experience was pivotal in transforming the Instagram page into a functional platform. The company was financed through investments from "Family and Friends," allowing for sustainable, albeit slower, growth. The platform targets young professionals and students who frequently move for internships, semesters abroad, or new jobs, positioning itself as a European solution to a fragmented rental market.
The service is designed to create a more personal and trustworthy rental experience. Users create profiles, often linking their social media accounts, and can post or search for listings. A key feature is the ability for users to manage inquiries and communicate directly within the app. The platform emphasizes trust and safety by encouraging visible profiles with real names and photos, and requiring SMS verification for all users to combat fraud. The business model includes free basic services with in-app purchases available for premium features under a "superfriendz" subscription.
Keywords: flat mediation, room rental, community platform, property listing, shared housing, european rental market, real estate app, tenant search, apartment finder, verified users